In the image
Often when we talk about what makes us human, we talk about how we are different from other animals. We mention upright posture, language, culture, self-transcendence, and so on. Our concern seems to be articulating and establishing our distance from animals. Theologically speaking, what makes us human, what makes us distinct, is our responsibility for creation as bearers of God’s image and not whatever way we might be different than other animals.
It is interesting that when God uses images and metaphors to describe God’s own self, God and the biblical writers don’t have any problem comparing God to various animals:
- Eagle
- Bear
- Lamb
- Hen
God is even compared to plants and rocks. Apparently it doesn’t bother God to have some attributes in common with animals, plants, and rocks. God isn’t threatened or diminished by naming common ground with the animal world.
